The summer plumaged Ruff was still present at Belfast Lough WOW reserve this morning. (Garry Armstrong). This afternoon five Sanderling, the Ruff, a first summer Med Gull and a Roseate Tern were present (Stuart McKee)

A Stock Dove was also present at Belfast WOW reserve this morning. (Daniel Newton).

A Cuckoo and several Whinchat were in the Antrim hills above Cushendun. (Michael Latham).

A Manx Sherwater was seen in the middle of Lough Neagh at 6am last Wednesday morning. (Patrick Devlin)

Thanks to Thomas Campbell for the picture of the Whitethroat and to Andrew Poots for the picture of the Spotted Flycatcher:

A boat trip is proceeding tomorrow on what promises to be a lovely day. It will leave Ballycastle at 10am and travel along the coast to Ballintoy taking in Kenbane Head and the Rope Bridge. Then out to Bull Point for the seabirds, along the North Cliffs of Rathlin Island, Bruce's Cave, Rue Point and then Torr Head and Crockan Point. Back to Ballycastle via Fair Head. If you are interested, please contact Jim Wells at ‭07856 235144. ‬

For those keen to hear the distinctive call of the secretive and elusive Corncrake there will be a unique opportunity with a series of five night time tours taking place through June and into July this year. These tours taking place in northwest Donegal will also provide a greater insight into the corncrake as they will be preceded by a talk about this once common Summer visitor which is now increasingly rare. The talk will be delivered by a local Corncrake and wildlife expert. It will take place in Falcarragh, Co. Donegal beginning at 10pm on each of the following Saturdays; 9th, 16th, & 23rd June, & 7th & 14th of July. Numbers are limited & advance booking is required €10 per person / Call 00 353 74 918 0994 or 00 353 086 822 0404or email lancu@eircom.net. Links: http://natithegloine.com/courses.html or https://www.facebook.com/natithegloine

Nesting on an Antrim rooftop at the exact same spot for the third year running, the Med (male) x Common Gull (female), have successfully hatched out three chicks, for the first time ever (Gareth Platt).

Welcome

This site is run by a voluntary group of birders documenting and recording information about the birds and wildlife of Northern Ireland. We provide information on rarities and interesting sightings so that others can enjoy. The sightings on this blog are not accepted records - rarities need to be confirmed, see https://nirbc.blogspot.co.uk/